What is Eczema?
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that affects the skin and it is not contagious. It is not an allergy although it can be brought on by an allergic reaction to some substances known as allergic contact eczema. Clinically eczema indicates inflammation of the skin which is usually further complicated by intense itching and possible infection.  

Eczema is a general term for several types of skin inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema although there are many types. Atopic refers to a class of diseases that often lead to an inherited tendency toward other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. The types of eczema are; allergic contact eczema (dermatitis), atopic dermatitis, contact eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic eczema and stasis dermatitis.

The itchy symptom of eczema is the major condition of atopic dermatitis. Scratching leads to redness, swelling, cracking, weeping and to crusting and scaling. There are periods where the disease flares and also periods where the skin improves or clears entirely. This is often seen in children who have the disease as it may disappear or improve as they grow older but often their skin remains dry and sensitive to irritation.

Amazingly more than 15 million people in the U.S. have symptoms of atopic dermatitis. It affects male and females and account for 10-20% of all visits to dermatologists. It appears most often in early childhood or infancy. It is believed that 65% of patients develop symptoms during the first year of life and even more, 90%, develop symptoms before age 5.

I would imagine the most difficult tasks for the loved ones of children with atopic dermatitis is to stop them from scratching, keeping their environs free of allergens and keeping their skin moist, not to mention the emotional trauma to the children and their parents. Keeping the nails short, skin hydrated and being aware of allergic triggers in their diets and environment can assist with managing the condition.

Skin Care, Treatment and Managing Eczema
The cause of atopic dermatitis is not know but seems to result from a combination of genetic (heredity) and environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis is associated with a malfunction of the body’s immune system. It appears the immune system in simple terms gets confused and creates inflammation in the skin. This type of malfunction of the immune system is called autoimmunity, when the body reacts against its own tissues.

There is no cure for the condition but several eczema treatment options are available as well as methods to manage the condition. This is also the reason patient education regarding caring for the condition is important. New treatments are becoming available and we hope some day a cure.

Medical treatment of eczema with steroids is generally limited to a few days a week for acute eczema up to a max of a few weeks. The most potent steroids are not recommended for use on children. Even when prescribed for adults patients are reviewed closely for any adverse reactions or side-effects.

Bacterial infection is a real concern which may call for antibiotics and antimicrobial ointments and cream to be prescribed. It is important to keep skin care products such as creams and ointments closed when not in use and apply them with a cotton swab. Also use a clean spoon to remove skin creams and ointments from jars. Hands should not be used to apply skin creams or ointments to lessen the chance of spreading the infection.

Proper application of emollients and the frequency in which they are applied is very important in healing the skin and controlling the condition. We learned that emollients should be thoroughly applied every 3 to 4 hours or at least 3 to 4 times a day. Although most with this condition apply emollients there is an effort underway to educate patients and their care givers to apply them liberally and often. This keeps the skin moist and helps ease the itching but also cuts down on the use of topical steroids and other medications.

Eczema sufferers are sensitive to preservatives in lotions and creams particularly the parabens. Try to use natural skin care products that do not contain preservatives. Creams (more water) are more likely to contain preservatives than are ointment (more oils). There are also other ingredients to be wary of in skin care products including fragrances.

Sufferers of eczema do not have the normal ability to process fatty acids, which can result in a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Topical and internal supplementation of EFA (essential fatty acids) have shown through research to improve eczema and similar skin conditions. All Herbal Luxuries eczema skin care products are paraben free and contain natures most potent natural GLA/EFA's to soothe and aid the restoration of normal healthy skin function.

The use of soaps and detergents should be avoided because they may aggravate the condition and also be drying to the skin removing much needed moisture. Keep skin hydrated by using super moisturizing bath products and additives that do not contain drying ingredients. Use warm or cool water for a bath or shower never hot. Apply emollients during and immediately after a bath or shower.

It is said that the most common trigger of the itch – scratch cycle is over heating and sweating, try to avoid this as much as possible. Applying cold compresses to affected areas of the skin can also help lessen the itch and minimize the urge to scratch.

Other triggers may also exist such as allergens in the patient’s environment; everything from pat dander to carpets, foods can also be a source. Being tested for allergies may be a good idea for those that have repeated flares of the condition. It seems that most eczema patients also have respiratory allergies. Allergens can trigger the flare-ups but they do not cause them. Emotions and stress may also aggravate the condition in some patients.

Types of Eczema

Stasis dermatitis (Varcose Eczema) - also known as gravitational eczema and congestion eczema. A type of eczema affecting the legs as a result of insufficient blood flow or venous return usually occuring in skin that has varicose veins.

Nummular dermatitis (Discoid Eczema) - also known as nummular eczema and is a chronic recurring condition eveidenced by red coin shaped plaques on the skin that affects different parts of the body primarily the hands and forearms, lower legs and the trunk. It is extremely itchy with inflammation. The affected areas are red and the plaques have well-defined edges.


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.